Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet
Salary

With close to three-fourths of Corporate Jet Pilots in the United States reporting more than 10 years of experience, the field is heavily weighted toward experienced professionals. Average pay for Corporate Jet Pilots is $83K per year and can range from $48K on the lower end to $149K per year near the higher end. Overall cash earnings for Corporate Jet Pilots stretch from $48K on the lower end to $149K near the top, and the heftiest packages can encompass around $15K from bonuses and $12K from profit sharing. Location and career length each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Most Corporate Jet Pilots like their work and job satisfaction is high. Medical benefits are awarded to a large number, and more than half earn dental coverage. This overview is based on answers to PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet

While some very large multinational corporations that own their own jets hire pilots full time, others may lease planes or contract services from corporate jet providers. In any case, the aircraft pilot for corporate jets typically makes daily or almost daily flights; they frequently transport corporate executives to various meetings and site visits.

Corporate aircraft pilots must be well-versed in filing flight plans for all upcoming trips and understand how to change and file new plans quickly as is dictated by the passengers or clients. The pilot also needs extensive flight experience and must be familiar with all facets of the different aircraft he or she will be asked to fly.

The corporate aircraft pilot is also the point person for jet safety. It is up to the pilot to report any non-optimal flight issues as they occur and perform regular inspections of his or her craft, in addition to those normally performed by maintenance and repair workers. The pilot also plots efficient flight paths that not only conserve time for the passengers, but also allow the pilot to take advantage of any beneficial fuel prices at various stops that can save money for the client or company.

A corporate jet pilot typically needs all required licenses and certifications to operate fixed-wing jets, along with at least 2,500 hours of flying experience for these craft. Typically, an FAA health certification is also required. Corporate jet pilots typically work during the business week, but they may be required to work weekends as well. Travel and overnight stays for pilots are common.

Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet Tasks

Acquire clearance from control towers before takeoff and arrival.

Inspect aircraft for defects before boarding and ensure that all weight distribution and fuel amounts comply with regulation.

Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet Job Listings

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Pay by Experience Level for Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

Corporate Jet Pilots with a rich background of experience are typically rewarded with larger paychecks. Salaries of relatively inexperienced workers fall in the neighborhood of $58K, but folks who have racked up five to 10 years see a notably higher median of $73K. Corporate Jet Pilots with one to two decades of relevant experience report an average salary of approximately $90K. Corporate Jet Pilots who surpass 20 years on the job report pay that isn't as high as one would expect; the median compensation for this crowd sits around $100K.

Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet Advice

What do you wish you knew about your job when you first started out?

Aircraft Pilot, Corporate Jet in Houston:

"College Is Overrated And Over Priced."

Just work at getting your flight training and skip the degree. Excel in your field by putting in your efforts and energies into your skill instead of making a student loan payment. Stay flexible and free from getting established in any one city or relationship. This will allow you to move where the opportunities are, to grow in your career. Aviation is very dynamic as an industry and sector of the economy. It has volatility greater than most other industries. Staying flexible will allow one self to ebb and flow with the cycles of the industry as well. Make connections. No matter how good of a pilot or employee you maybe, if you do not make connections, it is hard to get a foot in the door. Lastly, the industry is a small industry. You will meet people and then run into them somewhere again down the line. DO NOT burn bridges.